October 15, 2012

Dear Friend of Idaho State University,

In today's educational climate, partnerships are key.

At Idaho State University, we have many partnerships with government agencies, businesses and educational institutions that allow us to share the best of our expertise, and to take advantage of a global world of knowledge. Through our partnerships, we are helping students across the country gain new knowledge.

One of our most recent partnerships with the College of Idaho will allow both institutions to address the need for more health care providers nationwide, but especially in our state. Through the agreement, Idaho State University will bring its Physician Assistant program to the College of Idaho campus. Students at The College of Idaho will be linked via immersive distance learning technology with students at ISU's existing programs in Pocatello and Meridian. Full-time faculty based in each location will offer interactive and hands-on learning. During their second year in the program, students will participate in a series of clinical rotations in appropriate medical contexts, with guidance from faculty and clinical preceptors.

In Idaho, and in many areas across the nation, there is a growing need for health care providers. The Idaho Department of labor estimates the number of Physician Assistant positions in the state will increase by more than 40 percent between 2008 and 2018. Physician assistants are skilled health practitioners who provide care to patients under the supervision of a physician. In many communities, they are the main source of vital medical care.

This unique partnership between a public and a private institution is just one of the many examples of great collaboration that is benefitting our communities along with our students. Other partnerships, such as a recent agreement between the Idaho Museum of Natural History and the Smithsonian Institute offer new possibilities for research. Our collaborations with the Idaho National Laboratory and other universities at the Center for Advanced Energy Studies in Idaho Falls are providing an opportunity for students and faculty to perform cutting-edge research.

I am always excited to share news of our partnerships, our successes and other wonderful things happening at Idaho State University. I want to invite you to attend my annual State of the University Address Wednesday, Oct. 24 at 6 p.m. in the Beverly B. Bistline Thrust Theatre in the L.E. and Thelma E. Stephens Performing Arts Center, 1002 Sam Nixon Avenue. A reception will follow the program.

If you would like to come, RSVP by Oct. 19 to rsvp@isu.edu, or by calling (208) 282-5937. If you are unable to personally attend, I invite you to watch a live stream. Go to the President's page on the ISU website and click on the link. The State of the University presentation will be maintained on my page for the next several weeks.